‘Your days are numbered’ — Buratai tells ‘defeated’ Boko Haram fighters

Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, says the days of the rump of Boko Haram inurgents are numbered, in spite of occasional attacks of Nigerian targets.

Buratai gave the assurance while addressing troops of the 8 Division at Monguno, headquarters of Monguno local government area of Borno state.

He, therefore, charged the troops to be determined in the efforts to stablilise their area of operation and finally overcome the Boko Haram challenge in the country.

“We must remain here to stabilise it. You all know that we have some few attacks here and there by the same elements – Boko Haram, but I assure you that their days are numbered,” he said.

“With your efforts, with your determination, we will finally overcome the Boko Haram challenge.”

The chief of army staff said the creation of the 8 Division was a “major strategic decision’’ which had helped in addressing the challenge of Boko Haram insurgency.

“I want to say that this division has lived up to its expectation of containing the Boko Haram challenge in this part of the country,” he said.

“What remains is for us to continue to stabilise and continue to operate, to prevent any element that may raise their heads in the future. This part of the country or this part of the region, especially the Lake Chad region has always been volatile. That is why members of the Lake Chad Commission created the Multinational Joint Task Force.

“So, we will see ourselves performing similar duties even after the final clearance of the Boko Hartam terrorists.”

He warned the troops to refrain from all acts of indiscipline.

He said those caught engaging in trading and extortion would be dealt with according to the law.

“Issues of indiscipline must also be checked within the division,” he said.

“As the people here gradually return to their communities, return to their businesses, they should be allowed to do their businesses free without any interference.

“Report of extortion or soldiers engaging themselves in trading activities with the people here must be resisted.

“We do not want any distraction. Trading in fish or cattle, if anyone – soldier, is caught, he is going to be dealt with according to the law.

“You are here to maintain the peace, you are here to perform your duties as soldiers; you are here not to trade or do any other business. Very soon, those that are in the IDPs camps will go back to their homes and re-establish themselves and the economic activities will increase. Do not fall into that temptation to be involved (in trading).”